Jason Roy ton helps England seal ODI series win over Pakistan

Babar Azam’s century helped Pakistan reach a commanding total of 340-7 in their 50 overs, yet once again a decent total proved inadequate for the tourists as England wrapped up victory with three balls to spare.

England’s Jason Roy hit a superb century and Ben Stokes carried them home as they beat Pakistan by three wickets at Trent Bridge on Friday, surviving a middle-order wobble to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

Babar Azam’s century helped Pakistan reach a respectable 340-7 in their 50 overs, yet once again a decent total proved inadequate for the tourists as England wrapped up victory after a tense finale with three balls to spare.

Having hunted down a 359-run target with ease in Bristol in the third ODI, England steadily chipped away at Pakistan’s total with Roy leading the charge, bringing up his eighth ODI century in 75 balls.

It was a changed lineup for England who were without captain Eoin Morgan after he was banned for a slow over rate in the last ODI.

Jonny Bairstow, who smashed 128 in Bristol, was also rested at the top of the order with James Vince coming in.

Yet it was a familiar tale of woe for Pakistan who had Babar Azam’s steady 115 off 112 balls to thank for leading them to a defendable total that was picked off by an England side who have not lost a run chase on home soil in this format since 2015 (18 wins, one draw).

England, who will head into the World Cup as favourites on home soil later this month, lead 3-0 heading into the fifth and final ODI in Leeds on Sunday.